From the coastal town of Koggala, wildlife enthusiasts can access two outstanding safari experiences. I love the Yala National Park tour – it’s an efficient 8-hour journey where you’re practically guaranteed to spot leopards, elephants, and sloth bears. At €72.87-€76.70 per person, it’s excellent value. The 10-hour Udawalawe safari (€110) is my other top pick, offering Sri Lanka’s best elephant viewing opportunities. Both tours earn high marks for their expert guides, reliable hotel pickups, and strong safety standards. Let’s explore these exceptional safari options.
Key Points
- Yala National Park Safari offers an 8-hour Jeep safari experience with the chance to spot leopards, elephants, and sloth bears at affordable prices.
- Udawalawe National Park Safari Tour focuses on witnessing Sri Lankan elephants in their natural habitat, with a 10-hour tour duration and 4-hour safari option.
- Both Yala and Udawalawe National Park tours provide hotel pickup, air-conditioned transportation, knowledgeable English-speaking guides, and positive reviews from travelers.
- The Yala National Park Safari tour offers free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance, while the Udawalawe tour includes lunch and a water bottle.
- Travelers can conveniently book and access the national park tours from the Koggala area, with pickup and drop-off services and all transfers and entrance fees covered.
YALA National Park Safari From MIRISSA
The YALA National Park Safari from MIRISSA offers visitors an opportunity to explore Sri Lanka’s second-largest wildlife reserve. This 8-hour excursion takes travelers on a Jeep safari through the park, providing the chance to spot a variety of animals, including leopards, elephants, sloth bears, and more.
Priced at €76.70 to €72.87 per person, with a 5% potential savings, the tour includes convenient hotel pickup from southern coast destinations, transportation in a private air-conditioned vehicle, and all necessary fees. Knowledgeable English-speaking guides lead the safari, sharing insights and helping guests locate the diverse wildlife, including over 50 butterfly species and numerous bird species.
With a 5-star rating based on 12 reviews, the YALA National Park Safari is highly recommended by travelers, who praise the safety, knowledge, and wildlife-spotting abilities of the guides. The tour also offers free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance and a “reserve now, pay later” option, making it an accessible and flexible option for visitors to the Koggala region.
Read our full review: YALA National Park Safari From MIRISSA Review
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Udawalawe National Park Safari Tour
Udawalawe National Park Safari Tour offers visitors an opportunity to witness the majestic Sri Lankan elephants in their natural habitat. Priced from $110.00 per person, this 10-hour tour provides an English-speaking live guide and flexible booking options, with free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance.
The main attraction is the chance to see large herds of elephants, as well as various bird species and other mammals. The safari typically lasts 4 hours, with the option to extend the duration upon request.
Pickup and drop-off services are available from several locations in the Koggala area, with wheelchair-accessible vehicles. The tour includes hotel pick-up and drop-off, a safari jeep with a guide, all transfers, lunch, a water bottle, and the Udawalawe National Park entrance ticket fee.
Based on verified reviews, this tour has an impressive 5/5 overall rating, with one customer praising the taxi service, friendly staff, knowledgeable guide, and fantastic lunch experience.
Read our full review: Udawalawe National Park Safari Tour Review
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Hikkaduwa/Galle/Weligama/Mirissa: Yala National Park Safari
For those seeking a thrilling wildlife encounter, a Yala National Park Safari is a must-do experience. Nestled in the southeastern region of Sri Lanka, Yala National Park is the second-largest wildlife park in the country and home to a diverse array of fauna.
Guests can expect to spot captivating leopards, crocodiles, buffalo, and an array of bird species, all guided by a knowledgeable professional.
The safari package offers flexible booking options, with the ability to reserve now and pay later, and free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance. Priced at $81.09 per person, the tour includes pickup and drop-off from select areas, transportation by private air-conditioned vehicle, and all necessary fees.
While food and drinks aren’t included, the safari promises an immersive experience in Yala’s stunning landscapes and diverse ecosystems.
With an overall rating of 4.5/5 based on traveler reviews, this Yala National Park Safari is an exceptional way to explore Sri Lanka’s rich wildlife.
Read our full review: Hikkaduwa/Galle/Weligama/Mirissa: Yala National Park Safari Review
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The Sum Up
Yala National Park is a popular safari destination near Koggala, offering opportunities to spot diverse wildlife like elephants, leopards, and birds. Udawalawe National Park is another option, known for its large elephant population. Travelers can choose from various tour options departing from nearby towns like Mirissa, Hikkaduwa, and Galle. These national park safaris provide a chance to immerse in Sri Lanka’s stunning natural landscapes and abundant biodiversity.